Throughout the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival, which takes place from April 30 - May 8 Athlone Arts and Tourism will run a number of fringe events including three workshops, two exhibitions, a marionette performance, and a poetry recital.
Anyone interested in writing for theatre should join Michelle Read, a Dublin-based playwright and dramaturge, for one of two playwriting workshops in Luan Gallery on May 2.
For those interested in stage combat, James Cosgrave returns this year to St Mary’s Hall to give a one-day combat workshop during which participants will be shown basic techniques used to give the illusion of violence while maintaining the highest level of safety and control.
In this class participants will learn about strikes to the head and body, hair pulling and choking techniques and stage positioning. Participants will also get to flex their acting muscles with a short choreographed fight scene at the end of the class. This workshop will take place on May 7 in St Mary’s Hall.
Pre-booking is essential for these workshops. For more information call the Luan Gallery on (090 ) 6442154.
Athlone Castle will host a marionette performance by travelling marionette theatre, Moon and Six Pence Puppet Theatre Company on May 8 and 9 at 1pm. This cheeky version of Red Riding Hood features the classic fairy-tale characters and a talking dustbin that encourages children to pick up litter. This string puppet production includes a moral in the tale, showing the importance of patience and friendship. The show, lasting fifty minutes, is performed live with music and sound effects drawing plenty of audience participation, from adults and kids alike.
For more information and to book call Athlone Castle on (090 ) 6442130.
There will also be a poetry recital hosted by Poetry in the Park in the grounds of Athlone Castle with more details to be found soon at www.athloneartsandtourism.ie
